If you’re looking for a dish that instantly transforms any gathering into a sun-soaked Mediterranean feast, Marinated Feta will absolutely blow you away. This dreamy appetizer is pure magic, marrying tangy feta with herby olive oil, garlic, and just a whisper of heat. Prepare to fall in love—this recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest things are truly the best!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Elegant: With just a handful of ingredients, Marinated Feta turns any ordinary snack plate into something chic and memorable.
- Bold, Sunny Flavors: Fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil infuse each bite of feta with zesty, Mediterranean charm.
- Super Versatile: Enjoy it as a mezze, on salads, alongside grilled meats, or as the crowning jewel on a charcuterie board.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The flavor deepens as it sits—just make, chill, and let the Marinated Feta work its delicious magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that unforgettable flavor can come from the humblest pantry staples. Each ingredient in Marinated Feta brings its own magic, from the grassy richness of olive oil to the punchy brightness of fresh herbs—and, of course, that irresistible, crumbly feta.
- Olive Oil: Go for a good, extra-virgin olive oil—its fruity flavor is the backdrop for all those delicious herbs and keeps the feta tender.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic delivers a subtle heat and deep aroma; just remember, always keep your marinated cheese chilled and don’t store it for more than four days to avoid food safety issues.
- Fresh Basil (or Dried): Basil brings a sweet, peppery note—use fresh for brightness or dried for convenience.
- Fresh Thyme (or Dried): Thyme’s earthy, floral flavor compliments feta perfectly; chopping it releases even more fragrance.
- Fresh Oregano (or Dried): Oregano adds a classic Mediterranean punch both in color and flavor, dried or fresh work beautifully.
- Red Chili Flakes (Optional): For a gentle, tingly heat that you can amp up or skip entirely based on taste.
- Block Feta Cheese: Seek out an 8-ounce block, not pre-crumbled—the texture is firmer and holds up oh-so-lovingly to marinating.
Variations
Marinated Feta is a playground for your palate: you can switch up the flavors to match your mood, the season, or what’s waiting in your fridge. Feel free to riff on this recipe—there are truly no wrong answers here!
- Lemon Zest & Citrus Twist: Swap out the garlic for lots of fresh lemon zest to create a bright, sunshiney flavor that’s perfect for summer brunch spreads.
- Herb Medley: Use rosemary, mint, or dill for extra herbal fragrance, or mix and match your favorite fresh herbs for a custom bouquet.
- Roasted Garlic: Substitute in roasted (rather than raw) garlic for a mellow, caramelized flavor—and an extended storage life.
- Middle Eastern Touch: Add a sprinkle of toasted cumin or coriander seeds for an earthy complexity and gentle warmth.
How to Make Marinated Feta
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, pour in your olive oil and add the minced garlic, fresh basil, thyme, oregano, and those optional chili flakes. Give it a thorough stir—the goal here is to awaken all those gorgeous flavors so they can dance together. If you’re using dried herbs, let them rest for a minute in the oil so they bloom beautifully.
Step 2: Cut and Add the Feta
Carefully slice the block of feta into generous, bite-sized cubes (about 1/4-inch thick). Gently add them to your marinade, using a spatula or large spoon to toss and ensure every surface is kissed by that irresistible herby oil.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Marinate
Cover the bowl tightly or transfer everything to an airtight jar. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—the longer it sits (up to 4 days), the more intensely the feta soaks up every herbal note. Remember, don’t keep Marinated Feta at room temperature or past four days for food safety.
Pro Tips for Making Marinated Feta
- Go for the Block: Always choose block feta over pre-crumbled; it holds its shape and soaks up the marinade so much better.
- Herb Fragility: If using fresh basil, add it just before serving for maximum color and aroma, or use dried for longer marinating times.
- Oil Submersion: Make sure every cube of feta is fully submerged in oil to protect texture and boost those flavors—plus, it looks stunning in a glass jar!
- Food Safety First: Because of the fresh garlic, never let Marinated Feta sit at room temperature, and always eat it within 4 days for ultimate deliciousness and safety.
How to Serve Marinated Feta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs—like basil or oregano—right before serving really brings out the colors and flavors of Marinated Feta. For a pop of color, add sliced cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a lemon wedge on the side. A crack of black pepper is the finishing touch!
Side Dishes
Serve Marinated Feta with crusty sourdough, toasted pita, or your favorite crackers to soak up all the herby oil. It’s also fantastic alongside olives, cured meats, or as part of an antipasto platter. For a heartier meal, pair with grilled chicken, lamb, or even tossed onto a Greek-style salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer Marinated Feta cubes in a small jar with strips of roasted pepper and olives for a picnic-perfect treat, thread cubes onto skewers for party appetizers, or pile onto toasted bread for crostini. You can even scatter it over a warm grain bowl or roasted vegetables for major wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For leftovers, keep your Marinated Feta submerged in its oil in an airtight container in the fridge—this keeps the cheese fresh and safe for up to four days. If the oil firms up from the cold, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for that lush, pourable texture.
Freezing
Freezing Marinated Feta isn’t recommended, as both the cheese and those fragrant herbs can lose their beautiful textures and vibrant flavors when thawed. For the best result, simply make what you’ll enjoy within a few days.
Reheating
Marinated Feta is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’d like to slightly soften the cheese or gently warm the olive oil for a luxurious drizzle, set the jar out for 15-20 minutes before serving. Don’t heat it directly, as this can cause the feta to weep and lose its shape.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-crumbled feta for this recipe?
Pre-crumbled feta is convenient, but it tends to dissolve or fall apart in the marinade. For the best texture and richer flavor, always start with a whole block of feta and cut it yourself.
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Is Marinated Feta safe to keep longer than four days?
Because this recipe uses fresh garlic, it’s important for food safety to keep Marinated Feta refrigerated and use it within four days. If you’d like to store it longer, omit the raw garlic; you can substitute lemon zest or just extra herbs for a similar zing.
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What can I do with the leftover marinade oil?
Don’t let a drop go to waste! Drizzle that herb-infused oil over roasted vegetables, salads, pasta, or swirl it into hummus. It’s packed with all the gorgeous flavors of the Marinated Feta.
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Can I make a vegan version of Marinated Feta?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite firm, plant-based feta alternative in place of the dairy feta. The marinade works beautifully with most dairy-free feta styles, so you can still enjoy all the zesty, herbal flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Marinated Feta yet, now’s your moment. It’s punchy, lush, and so easy to fall for—whether you serve it to guests or just sneak a few cubes as a cook’s treat. Give this recipe a whirl and let every bite whisk you away to sun-soaked days and breezy evenings. Happy dipping!
Print
Marinated Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Eight 1/4-cup servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Marinated Feta recipe that features a blend of herbs and garlic infused in olive oil, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. This recipe yields eight 1/4-cup servings of tangy marinated feta cheese.
Ingredients
Olive Oil:
3/4 cup
Garlic, minced:
2 cloves
Fresh Basil, chiffonade:
1 tablespoon (or 1 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Fresh Thyme, minced:
1 tablespoon (or 1 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Fresh Oregano, minced:
1 tablespoon (or 1 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Red Chili Flakes (optional):
1/4 teaspoon
Feta Cheese, cut into 1/4-inch pieces:
1 (8-ounce) package
Instructions
- Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, basil, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate Feta: Add the feta to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors, up to 4 days.
Notes
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds great flavor but be cautious about storage to avoid botulism.
- Fresh Basil: Use fresh herbs for best taste; you can substitute dried herbs if needed.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your spice preference.
- Feta Cheese: Opt for block feta rather than pre-crumbled for best results.
- Yield: This recipe makes eight 1/4-cup servings.
- Storage: Keep marinated feta submerged in oil in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, omit raw garlic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
